The next day, when Hua Liuli woke up, the sun was already high up in the sky.
The palace maids at Shoukang Palace had gotten used to Fushou Junzhu's habit of waking up late and secretly sympathized with her. She was originally a wealthy young lady, but due to her poor health, she couldn't enjoy the luxuries and pleasures of life. Medicine had become a constant necessity for her.
When Hua Liuli woke up, the Empress Dowager had the palace maids serve her breakfast.
"Your mother went to Chengyang Palace to meet the Emperor. She will come to pick you up later," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, "This Grieving One didn't sleep well last night. This Grieving One heard that you left the palace yesterday?"
Hua Liuli swallowed the food, rinsed her mouth, and replied, "Empress Dowager, I unintentionally returned late last night. Did I disturb you?"
"Don't be nervous. It's not a big deal. You young people should enjoy yourselves while you can," the Empress Dowager said with a nostalgic look. "When this Grieving One was young, this Grieving One used to secretly sneak out of the palace with the late Emperor in the middle of the night. After leaving the palace, we would be afraid of being discovered by those court officials and would sneak around like thieves."
The smile on the Empress Dowager's face gradually faded, perhaps reminiscing about the late Emperor who had already passed away, or perhaps missing the elusive past. After a long while, she chuckled softly, "Those were happy times."
Hua Liuli had heard stories about the late Emperor's relationship with the Empress Dowager. It was said that they were childhood sweethearts and had a good relationship. Unfortunately, this beautiful love story did not have a perfect ending. After more than ten years of reigning, the late Emperor started favoring a beautiful concubine, and after this concubine gave birth to a prince, he mentioned the idea of establishing a new crown prince.
However, the late Emperor's promise to the beautiful concubine was never fulfilled because he fell ill soon after and never had the opportunity to bring up the matter of establishing a new crown prince again.
Perhaps for the Empress Dowager, the man who had turned his back on her and attempted to harm their child, his death was the best outcome.
Whether the late Emperor died of illness or other reasons, no one was interested anymore. According to the official records, he died of illness. The current Emperor was wise and virtuous, the Empress Dowager was kind and virtuous. Everything was perfect.
Even now, whenever the Empress Dowager mentioned the late Emperor, her tone was calm as if he had never hurt her. All the love, hatred, and grievances seemed like fleeting clouds, not worth mentioning.
Hua Liuli was puzzled by the notions of love and hatred, yet she grasped one fundamental truth: if she couldn't experience a relationship that mirrored the unwavering devotion between her parents, it would be preferable to not have it at all.
"Good girl," the Empress Dowager smiled. "As this Grieving One grows older, seeing a young girl like you makes me reminisce about the past."
The Empress Dowager regained her composure and said, "In half a month, it will be the Flower Festival. Many young girls will go to worship the Fairy of Hundred Flowers. Do you have suitable clothes and accessories?"
"I have enough clothes, but for some reason, whenever I wear them, they never look as good as the ones chosen by Your Majesty. I've been thinking that maybe it's because my standards have been raised," Hua Liuli furrowed her eyebrows slightly, "Your Majesty, it's your fault that my taste has become more refined."
"So, it's this Grieving One's fault then? Where does that logic come from?" The Empress Dowager was amused by Hua Liuli's words, "Don't worry, this Grieving One has already prepared the outfits you will wear for the Flower Festival. This Grieving One guarantees that no girl in the entire capital can compare to you."
"Just now I misspoke earlier. Your Majesty is the best Empress Dowager," Hua Liuli playfully tried to make the Empress Dowager happy, "With you by my side, I'm sure I can captivate countless men and women."
"That would be quite something," the Empress Dowager pulled Hua Liuli to sit beside her, teasingly asking, "If all the young gentlemen and ladies cried and begged to marry you, what would you do?"
"Then I would hide here with Your Majesty," Hua Liuli confidently replied, "The clothes and accessories Your Majesty gives me make me more beautiful, so Your Majesty should bear some responsibility for any troubles that arise."
Hua Liuli's words amused the Empress Dowager, wiping away the lingering melancholy. The young girl by her side was beautiful and adorable, making it impossible to dwell on a man who had long passed away.
When Wei Mingyue returned from Chenyang Palace, she witnessed this scene. The Shoukang Palace was filled with palace attendants holding jewel-adorned luxurious robes, while the Empress Dowager resembled a frivolous young nobleman eager to entertain a beauty, allowing the beauty to choose from these exquisite garments and accessories.
Oh, her troublesome daughter was the beauty being indulged and pampered.
"The ruby pendant on this one..."
"Your fair and tender skin will match this one," without waiting for Hua Liuli to speak, the Empress Dowager had a palace maid collect it for her.
"You usually wear clothes in plain and light colors. This Grieving One thinks this red embroidered skirt looks good on you as well," the Empress Dowager picked up a thin, gauzy cloak and draped it over the red skirt, examining it, "With this combination, you will look like a celestial being descending to earth, perfect."
"Empress Dowager," Wei Mingyue was not particularly interested in hairpins and jewelry. Whenever she saw them, she would get a headache.
"You're back so soon?" The Empress Dowager felt a bit disappointed. She had wanted to choose a few more outfits and accessories for Hua Liuli.
As she grew older, she didn't have much to do on regular days. This had become her only hobby and interest.
She wondered how this girl from the Hua family managed to look so good. Although she appeared thin and weak, she had a natural elegance that made everything she wore look beautiful. Dressing up this kind of girl was the easiest way to bring satisfaction to oneself.
"Come here, accompany this Grieving One in choosing for Liuli," the Empress Dowager beckoned to Wei Mingyue, also expressing her dissatisfaction, "This Grieving One knows both you and Yingting are usually busy, but with such a beautiful little daughter, you should dress her well. Heaven blessed you with such a pretty daughter, don't waste her beauty."
"Empress Dowager, my husband and I can't bear to let Liuli suffer..." Wei Mingyue began to say, but the Empress Dowager interrupted her.
"In my opinion, if you don't dress her well, it's a waste," the Empress Dowager pointed at a box of jewelry, "Take a look. Which one suits Liuli the best?"
Wei Mingyue's expression stiffened, "Empress Dowager, it would be easier for me to go to the border to fight the enemy."
"Liuli, don't learn from your mother. When she was young, she found dressing up and putting on makeup troublesome, so she would go out wearing men's clothing," the Empress Dowager turned around to select earrings for Hua Liuli, "She attracted girls in the capital, not boys."
Hua Liuliu covered her mouth and laughed. No wonder there were still young girls wanting to marry her mother.
The Empress Dowager knew that the family of four must be longing for each other, so she didn't keep the mother and daughter for long. She let Hua Liuli take the preferred items and leave.
When Hua Liuli returned home, the plaque outside the gate had changed from "Hua Family Estate" to "Marquis Zhongyong Estate," and the gatekeeper had been replaced by soldiers wearing armor.
"Mother, didn't Father already petition to be relieved of his military duties?" According to the regulations, those without a military position were not allowed to have armed guards.
"The Emperor wanted to appoint your father as the Minister of War, but your father declined due to his old injuries." Wei Mingyue stepped into the Marquis Estate, "The Emperor allowed your father to retain the title of Great General and bestowed upon him the additional title of Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince."
"I see," Hua Liuli sighed softly, "That's good, then."
"There are grown-ups taking care of the family matters. Why are you sighing when you are so young?" Wei Mingyue walked to her seat and dismissed the servants who came to pay their respects to her, "The Emperor also conferred upon me the title of Marquis. Even if your father and I no longer hold military power, being a family with two marquises is enough to make others jealous."
Just as they were speaking, Hua Yingting entered with Hua Changkong. Finally, the four of them had a chance to talk to each other.
"Mother," Hua Changkong bowed deeply to Wei Mingyue.
"These past few days when your father and I were not present, you took good care of your sister and the estate. Thank you for your hard work," Wei Mingyue, in front of her children, never acted like a female general. She patted her son's shoulder.
"The fact that both of you returned safely makes me relieved," Hua Changkong smiled, "Sister is very obedient, so I don't need to worry about her."
"You don't need to speak up for her. I know what kind of person she is; I understand," Wei Mingyue tapped Hua Liuli's forehead and then turned to Hua Changkong, "You seem a bit thin. Don't study too hard; your health is important."
"Yes, health is the most important," Hua Yingting quickly nodded, "In our family, people come first, everything else comes after."
"Father, Mother, I understand and will act within my limits," Hua Changkong said, "But now that Great Jin is at peace, in the next forty to fifty years, the status of civil officials will surpass that of military generals. Our Hua family needs a scholar to establish a foothold in the court."
"In that case, you should drink more Shouwu and Dong Quai chicken soup," Hua Liuli softly said while the rest of her family were discussing a serious topic, "And also eat black sesame."
"Why?" Hua Yingting curiously asked. "Good child, what does that have to do with your third brother studying?"
"Because studying too much can cause hair loss," Hua Liuli said, "Third Brother is handsome, but if he loses his hair, he won't look good anymore."
Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue both looked at their son and imagined what he would look like bald. They immediately shook their heads, "Then he must drink it."
The Hua family couldn't have such an ugly son.
Hua Changkong fell silent. At this moment, he deeply doubted whether he was truly their biological son.
"Is Prince A’Wa causing trouble today?" the bald Minister of Justice, rubbed his forehead as flipped through the documents in his hand, seemingly amused.
"Prince A’Wa is no longer causing trouble. Deputy Minister Pei's method worked. We gave him half a bowl of water today and he obediently drank it all without making a fuss," the official in charge of guarding Prince A’Wa reported, "However, from the looks of it, he seems to have not given up on seeing Fushou Junzhu."
"Pay no attention to him," Zhang Shuo discovered something interesting while going through the genealogical records of everyone involved in the case, "Speaking of Fushou Junzhu, I find the Hua family quite interesting," Zhang Shuo beckoned to Pei Jihuai, who was sitting in the corner reading the information, "Come here and take a look."
"Daren?" Pei Jihuai thought Zhang Shuo had found some useful evidence. As he approached, he saw Zhang Shuo pointing to a few names on the documents, all of whom were ancestors of the Hua family.
"Daren, what does this mean?"
"When we think of the Hua family, we regard them as a family of military generals, but we haven't noticed that they have also produced several capable civil officials," Zhang Shuo pointed to one of the names, "There was even one who reached the highest position among civil officials, the position of Prime Minister."
Most of these civil officials from the Hua family not only held high positions but also retired peacefully to their hometowns. Perhaps because the military achievements of the Hua family were too prominent, few people paid attention to this fact.
After pointing out these facts to Pei Jihuai, Zhang Shuo smiled and collected the documents in his hand, rubbing his bald head, "But this is their family affair, it doesn't concern us much. There's no need to gossip about it."
"You're right, Daren," Pei Jihuai thought for a moment but felt that he might be overthinking it. Maybe it was just a coincidence?
"Daren, the Crown Prince's entourage has arrived."
Zhang Shuo didn't understand the purpose of the Crown Prince's visit and quickly stood up, "Please have His Royal Highness enter."
"Zhang Shuo, there's no need for formalities," the Crown Prince said as he entered with his attendants, raising his hand to waive their greetings, "Benwang is here today to meet Jinpo's Second Prince."
"Please, Your Royal Highness," Zhang Shuo didn't refuse and readily led the way.
There was an unpleasant smell in the dungeon, but Zhang Shuo had grown accustomed to it and didn't think much of it. One of the Crown Prince's attendants had already taken out a handkerchief and handed it to him.
The Crown Prince covered his nose and mouth with the handkerchief, not hiding his disdain for the place. Whenever his attendants saw someone with an unattractive appearance in the cell, they quickly pulled back the curtains and blocked both sides of the Crown Prince's path.
If there happened to be straw on the ground, the eunuchs would pick it up in advance, as though that piece of straw would dirty the esteemed feet of the Crown Prince.
Pei Jihuai glanced at the Crown Prince's clean soles. Last night, he had seen the Crown Prince with mud on his shoes, but the attendants didn't show such fear and reverence.
"Your Royal Highness, Prince A’Wa, the hostage from the Kingdom of Jinpo, is imprisoned here," Zhang Shuo had his subordinates open the door and bowed, "If Your Royal Highness has any questions, please feel free to ask. We will be waiting outside."
The officials from the Ministry of Justice left, leaving only the Crown Prince's entourage.
When it came to being tactful, Zhang Shuo was a professional.
Prince A’Wa had his hands and feet shackled. The shackles were locked to iron chains that were welded to the wall. Even if the cell door was wide open, he couldn't escape.
Two days without food had made him look extremely haggard, the corners of his cracked lips were pale with sickness.
Hearing someone speak, he opened his weary eyes and asked hoarsely, "Who... are you?"
The person who entered was dressed in luxurious brocade, followed by a considerable number of attendants, indicating a distinguished identity.
The Crown Prince glanced at the dirt and grime in the cell that hadn't been cleaned for who knows how long. He didn't step inside, nor did he even sit on the chair brought by the eunuchs.
As the favorite son of the King of Jinpo, Prince A’Wa was fairly good-looking, except for his messy hair and a long-untended beard that made him appear very disheveled.
Prince A’Wa had been waiting for a long time, but the other party remained silent, which made him uneasy. Ever since he arrived in the Great Jin Empire, he had tested their limits by going on a hunger strike, but the Great Jin officials seemed indifferent to his protests, as though they didn't care about his life or death.
The more indifferent Great Jin was toward him, the more unsettled he became. It indicated that Great Jin no longer regarded the Kingdom of Jinpo with importance and had become arrogant.
After understanding his situation, Prince A’Wa became more obedient. He had to return alive because only by returning alive could he become the King of Jinpo.
"What is your identity?" He struggled to stand up, supporting himself on the railing of the cell, and bowed to the visitor.
"Benwang heard that Prince A’Wa had been very dissatisfied with our treatment here in Great Jin," the Crown Prince raised an eyebrow slightly, "But from what Benwang sees today, Prince A’Wa seems to be adapting well to life in Great Jin."
He was handsome, with slightly raised peach blossom eyes and eyebrows, as if mocking others.
Feeling humiliated, Prince A’Wa lowered his head, concealing his expression from the Crown Prince, "So it is the esteemed Crown Prince of Great Jin."
"As the host, Benwang should come and greet the guest," the Crown Prince raised his hand slightly, and the eunuch brought wine and food in front of Prince A’Wa, "Benwang heard that Prince A’Wa wanted to meet our Junzhu? However, Junzhu is a young lady, it is not appropriate for her to meet Prince A’Wa. So Benwang came personally."
Seeing Prince A’Wa not touching the food and wine, the Crown Prince's expression turned slightly cold, "What's wrong? Does Prince A’Wa find the food and wine Benwang prepared for you unsatisfactory?"
"Thank you for your generosity, Crown Prince," Prince A’Wa said coldly as he picked up the wine jug and took a sip. The Emperor of Great Jin held the Crown Prince in high favor and trust, and he couldn't afford to offend him.
But he had heard that the emperors of the Great Jin were always inherently suspicious of their children. The Crown Prince's arrogant behavior would inevitably make the Emperor of Great Jin become dissatisfied with him sooner or later.
When chaos ensued among the princes of Great Jin, there would still be a chance for Prince A’Wa and the Kingdom of Jinpo.
Thinking of the territories they had yielded in the surrender letter, Prince A’Wa's eyes turned red with hatred. If it weren't for falling for the Hua family's plot and believing in that young lady's lies, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation.
"Eat the meat," the Crown Prince lifted his chin.
The meat had already turned cold, but Prince A’Wa hadn't eaten for two days. The first bite satisfied him, but after a few more bites, he couldn't help but feel the urge to vomit. However, he knew that if he vomited now, he would offend the Crown Prince of Great Jin.
He covered his mouth and forcibly swallowed the greasy and nauseating meat.
"Continue," the Crown Prince didn't even raise an eyelid.
It wasn't until Prince A’Wa finished all the meat on the table, enduring the throbbing pain in his veins, that the Crown Prince slowly spoke, "Prince A’Wa, known for your bravery and military prowess, once led troops to slaughter nearly ten thousand civilians in Huzhou of Great Jin," His gaze turned cold, "But today, you're nothing special."
After speaking, he turned and left the dungeon. Nodding slightly to the officials of the Ministry of Justice guarding outside, the Crown Prince sat in his sedan chair.
"Your Royal Highness, are we returning to the palace?"
The sedan chair was quiet for a moment before the Crown Prince spoke, "Go to the Taoist temple in the suburbs."
After seeing off the Crown Prince, Pei Jihuai said, "Daren, it seems like the Crown Prince is not in a good mood today."
"Today is the anniversary of Empress Gonghui's death," Zhang Shuo whispered, "It's normal for the Crown Prince to be in a bad mood."
"Where did the Crown Prince go today?" Emperor Changlong asked the eunuch beside him.
"Your Majesty, according to the report from the Crown Prince's attendants, the Crown Prince went to the Ministry of Justice and then planned to relax in the suburbs of the capital," Zhao Sancai glanced at the Emperor's expression, "Should we summon the Crown Prince back to the palace?"
"No need, let him go today," Emperor Changlong waved his hand. At this moment, a eunuch came in to report that Ying Wang requested an audience.
"Not seeing him," there was no need to guess; the eldest son had come to complain, and Emperor Changlong couldn't be bothered to indulge a grown-up man child, "He's already this old and hasn't made any progress. He only knows to come and complain to me about Yuansu."
Zhao Sancai bowed his head and remained silent.
Upon hearing that the Emperor had refused to see him, Ying Wang turned his head grumpily and headed towards the Lincui Palace. If the Emperor wouldn't see him, he wouldn't be able to discuss the matter of the Crown Prince mistreating the prisoners with the Emperor.
"Good that he's mistreating that person," Consort Xian said after hearing what Ying Wang had said, not even bothering to look at him, "I heard that this prince named A Wang led an attack on Huzhou adjacent to Qinghan Prefecture a few years ago and killed nearly ten thousand people of our Great Jin..."
"Mother, his name is Prince A'Wa."
"I don't care what his name is, A'Mao or A'Gou1Mocking the name of Prince A'Wa. Mao and Gou means Cat and Dog respectively.," Consort Xian slammed the table, "This kind of person should be dealt with by the Crown Prince. Why did you want to go and complain?!"
Ying Wang: "..."
"Forget it," Consort Xian grew angrier the more she thought about it, "Since the Crown Prince has set this example, why don't you go and make trouble for that A'Mao or A'Gou as well? Consider it venting for those innocent commoners."
"Mother..." Ying Wang looked at the Consort Xian speechlessly, "Aren't we trying to find evidence against the Crown Prince's misconduct against prisoners?"
"What evidence is that?" Consort Xian stood up and pushed Ying Wang out of the room, "You better think more carefully about your actions."
So, not long after the Minister of Justice had sent away the Crown Prince, Ying Wang, with an unhappy expression, arrived. Before they could figure out the purpose of Ying Wang's visit, they saw him mock and taunt the Second Prince of Jinpo, before leaving in a hurry.
Pei Jihuai looked at Zhang Shuo with confusion, "Daren, it seems like Ying Wang is also not in a good mood today?"
Half an hour later, Ning Wang also arrived after hearing the news. Though his mind wasn't very sharp, he knew what his Eldest Brother and the Crown Prince were up to, so he followed suit in learning how to handle such situations.
However, his inherently simple and kind personality, coupled with a fear of death, made it difficult for him to grasp the essence of insults. He had to ask his attendants to prepare a list of insults for him in advance, then he sat outside the prison cell on a chair and, holding the script, hurled a series of insults.
After reading the script, he felt that his performance wasn't good enough. He spat towards the cell where Prince A'Wa was imprisoned; satisfied with it, he patted his slightly protruding belly and left contentedly.
People working at the Ministry of Justice: "..."
It seems that most princes were in a bad mood today.
After finishing their midday meal, Wei Mingyue said to Hua Liuli, "When I left the capital city years ago, I visited a Taoist temple in the suburbs and made a vow, asking the immortal to bless your safe birth. Now that I've returned to the capital, I should fulfill that vow."
"Mother, it's already afternoon. You've just returned to the capital, why not rest for a few days before going?" Hua Liuli felt sorry for her mother's health and advised, "The Taoist temple will still be there. It's not going anywhere."
"When it's time to fulfill a vow, the sooner the better," Wei Mingyue gently touched her daughter's head. When she was pregnant with her, she traveled all the way from the capital to Qinghan Prefecture, and she thought several times that the child might not survive. However, the child was exceptionally well-behaved, not causing her any trouble, not even a single bout of morning sickness.
Even the time when she spotted those suspicious spies from Qinghan Prefecture, it was because the child suddenly kicked her belly a few times that she sat down at a nearby tea stall to rest and noticed them.
Because of that incident, the child, who was just seven months old in her womb, couldn't wait to come into this world.
In her heart, this child was a gift from the gods to the two of them, precious as a gem, so they named her Liuli.
Liuli was precious and fragile, they wanted to protect her for a lifetime.
"Liuli, come with me," Wei Mingyue then turned to Hua Yingting, "Yingting, obediently wait at home with Changkong."
Hua Yingting sat back grumpily, "Alright, I won't go with you. Just try not to look at those young gentlemen and ladies on the roadside too much."
Wei Mingyue glared at him and he quickly shut his mouth.
"Father, I will take good care of Mother, so don't worry," Hua Liuli blinked at Hua Yingting.
Hua Yingting thought, forget it. When you two are together, all you do is stare at young gentlemen and ladies. He even worried that his wife's doting on their daughter had no limits. What if their daughter took a liking to some young man and her mother helped her steal that person? What would they do?
The mother and daughter happily left, leaving behind the father and son to watch over the house.
"Why is the Taoist temple built on top of the mountain?" Hua Liuli, being dragged up the mountain by her mother, felt like a frost-bitten cabbage.
"You're so lazy..." Suddenly, Wei Mingyue's tone changed, "Your body is weak, so the more you worship, the more the gods will bless you."
Hua Liuli looked up at Wei Mingyue: Mother, how can you lie in front of the gods?
Wei Mingyue smiled: The gods are very magnanimous. They won't mind my small lies.
The mother and daughter calmly let go of each other's hands and both bowed to the person at the top of the steps. "Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Empress Dowager: An experienced high-end player in the game "Miracle Nikki".
Prince A'Wa: A true warrior can be killed but not dishonored, hence I choose to persevere.
The next day, when Hua Liuli woke up, the sun was already high up in the sky.
The palace maids at Shoukang Palace had gotten used to Fushou Junzhu's habit of waking up late and secretly sympathized with her. She was originally a wealthy young lady, but due to her poor health, she couldn't enjoy the luxuries and pleasures of life. Medicine had become a constant necessity for her.
When Hua Liuli woke up, the Empress Dowager had the palace maids serve her breakfast.
"Your mother went to Chengyang Palace to meet the Emperor. She will come to pick you up later," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, "This Grieving One didn't sleep well last night. This Grieving One heard that you left the palace yesterday?"
Hua Liuli swallowed the food, rinsed her mouth, and replied, "Empress Dowager, I unintentionally returned late last night. Did I disturb you?"
"Don't be nervous. It's not a big deal. You young people should enjoy yourselves while you can," the Empress Dowager said with a nostalgic look. "When this Grieving One was young, this Grieving One used to secretly sneak out of the palace with the late Emperor in the middle of the night. After leaving the palace, we would be afraid of being discovered by those court officials and would sneak around like thieves."
The smile on the Empress Dowager's face gradually faded, perhaps reminiscing about the late Emperor who had already passed away, or perhaps missing the elusive past. After a long while, she chuckled softly, "Those were happy times."
Hua Liuli had heard stories about the late Emperor's relationship with the Empress Dowager. It was said that they were childhood sweethearts and had a good relationship. Unfortunately, this beautiful love story did not have a perfect ending. After more than ten years of reigning, the late Emperor started favoring a beautiful concubine, and after this concubine gave birth to a prince, he mentioned the idea of establishing a new crown prince.
However, the late Emperor's promise to the beautiful concubine was never fulfilled because he fell ill soon after and never had the opportunity to bring up the matter of establishing a new crown prince again.
Perhaps for the Empress Dowager, the man who had turned his back on her and attempted to harm their child, his death was the best outcome.
Whether the late Emperor died of illness or other reasons, no one was interested anymore. According to the official records, he died of illness. The current Emperor was wise and virtuous, the Empress Dowager was kind and virtuous. Everything was perfect.
Even now, whenever the Empress Dowager mentioned the late Emperor, her tone was calm as if he had never hurt her. All the love, hatred, and grievances seemed like fleeting clouds, not worth mentioning.
Hua Liuli was puzzled by the notions of love and hatred, yet she grasped one fundamental truth: if she couldn't experience a relationship that mirrored the unwavering devotion between her parents, it would be preferable to not have it at all.
"Good girl," the Empress Dowager smiled. "As this Grieving One grows older, seeing a young girl like you makes me reminisce about the past."
The Empress Dowager regained her composure and said, "In half a month, it will be the Flower Festival. Many young girls will go to worship the Fairy of Hundred Flowers. Do you have suitable clothes and accessories?"
"I have enough clothes, but for some reason, whenever I wear them, they never look as good as the ones chosen by Your Majesty. I've been thinking that maybe it's because my standards have been raised," Hua Liuli furrowed her eyebrows slightly, "Your Majesty, it's your fault that my taste has become more refined."
"So, it's this Grieving One's fault then? Where does that logic come from?" The Empress Dowager was amused by Hua Liuli's words, "Don't worry, this Grieving One has already prepared the outfits you will wear for the Flower Festival. This Grieving One guarantees that no girl in the entire capital can compare to you."
"Just now I misspoke earlier. Your Majesty is the best Empress Dowager," Hua Liuli playfully tried to make the Empress Dowager happy, "With you by my side, I'm sure I can captivate countless men and women."
"That would be quite something," the Empress Dowager pulled Hua Liuli to sit beside her, teasingly asking, "If all the young gentlemen and ladies cried and begged to marry you, what would you do?"
"Then I would hide here with Your Majesty," Hua Liuli confidently replied, "The clothes and accessories Your Majesty gives me make me more beautiful, so Your Majesty should bear some responsibility for any troubles that arise."
Hua Liuli's words amused the Empress Dowager, wiping away the lingering melancholy. The young girl by her side was beautiful and adorable, making it impossible to dwell on a man who had long passed away.
When Wei Mingyue returned from Chenyang Palace, she witnessed this scene. The Shoukang Palace was filled with palace attendants holding jewel-adorned luxurious robes, while the Empress Dowager resembled a frivolous young nobleman eager to entertain a beauty, allowing the beauty to choose from these exquisite garments and accessories.
Oh, her troublesome daughter was the beauty being indulged and pampered.
"The ruby pendant on this one..."
"Your fair and tender skin will match this one," without waiting for Hua Liuli to speak, the Empress Dowager had a palace maid collect it for her.
"You usually wear clothes in plain and light colors. This Grieving One thinks this red embroidered skirt looks good on you as well," the Empress Dowager picked up a thin, gauzy cloak and draped it over the red skirt, examining it, "With this combination, you will look like a celestial being descending to earth, perfect."
"Empress Dowager," Wei Mingyue was not particularly interested in hairpins and jewelry. Whenever she saw them, she would get a headache.
"You're back so soon?" The Empress Dowager felt a bit disappointed. She had wanted to choose a few more outfits and accessories for Hua Liuli.
As she grew older, she didn't have much to do on regular days. This had become her only hobby and interest.
She wondered how this girl from the Hua family managed to look so good. Although she appeared thin and weak, she had a natural elegance that made everything she wore look beautiful. Dressing up this kind of girl was the easiest way to bring satisfaction to oneself.
"Come here, accompany this Grieving One in choosing for Liuli," the Empress Dowager beckoned to Wei Mingyue, also expressing her dissatisfaction, "This Grieving One knows both you and Yingting are usually busy, but with such a beautiful little daughter, you should dress her well. Heaven blessed you with such a pretty daughter, don't waste her beauty."
"Empress Dowager, my husband and I can't bear to let Liuli suffer..." Wei Mingyue began to say, but the Empress Dowager interrupted her.
"In my opinion, if you don't dress her well, it's a waste," the Empress Dowager pointed at a box of jewelry, "Take a look. Which one suits Liuli the best?"
Wei Mingyue's expression stiffened, "Empress Dowager, it would be easier for me to go to the border to fight the enemy."
"Liuli, don't learn from your mother. When she was young, she found dressing up and putting on makeup troublesome, so she would go out wearing men's clothing," the Empress Dowager turned around to select earrings for Hua Liuli, "She attracted girls in the capital, not boys."
Hua Liuliu covered her mouth and laughed. No wonder there were still young girls wanting to marry her mother.
The Empress Dowager knew that the family of four must be longing for each other, so she didn't keep the mother and daughter for long. She let Hua Liuli take the preferred items and leave.
When Hua Liuli returned home, the plaque outside the gate had changed from "Hua Family Estate" to "Marquis Zhongyong Estate," and the gatekeeper had been replaced by soldiers wearing armor.
"Mother, didn't Father already petition to be relieved of his military duties?" According to the regulations, those without a military position were not allowed to have armed guards.
"The Emperor wanted to appoint your father as the Minister of War, but your father declined due to his old injuries." Wei Mingyue stepped into the Marquis Estate, "The Emperor allowed your father to retain the title of Great General and bestowed upon him the additional title of Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince."
"I see," Hua Liuli sighed softly, "That's good, then."
"There are grown-ups taking care of the family matters. Why are you sighing when you are so young?" Wei Mingyue walked to her seat and dismissed the servants who came to pay their respects to her, "The Emperor also conferred upon me the title of Marquis. Even if your father and I no longer hold military power, being a family with two marquises is enough to make others jealous."
Just as they were speaking, Hua Yingting entered with Hua Changkong. Finally, the four of them had a chance to talk to each other.
"Mother," Hua Changkong bowed deeply to Wei Mingyue.
"These past few days when your father and I were not present, you took good care of your sister and the estate. Thank you for your hard work," Wei Mingyue, in front of her children, never acted like a female general. She patted her son's shoulder.
"The fact that both of you returned safely makes me relieved," Hua Changkong smiled, "Sister is very obedient, so I don't need to worry about her."
"You don't need to speak up for her. I know what kind of person she is; I understand," Wei Mingyue tapped Hua Liuli's forehead and then turned to Hua Changkong, "You seem a bit thin. Don't study too hard; your health is important."
"Yes, health is the most important," Hua Yingting quickly nodded, "In our family, people come first, everything else comes after."
"Father, Mother, I understand and will act within my limits," Hua Changkong said, "But now that Great Jin is at peace, in the next forty to fifty years, the status of civil officials will surpass that of military generals. Our Hua family needs a scholar to establish a foothold in the court."
"In that case, you should drink more Shouwu and Dong Quai chicken soup," Hua Liuli softly said while the rest of her family were discussing a serious topic, "And also eat black sesame."
"Why?" Hua Yingting curiously asked. "Good child, what does that have to do with your third brother studying?"
"Because studying too much can cause hair loss," Hua Liuli said, "Third Brother is handsome, but if he loses his hair, he won't look good anymore."
Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue both looked at their son and imagined what he would look like bald. They immediately shook their heads, "Then he must drink it."
The Hua family couldn't have such an ugly son.
Hua Changkong fell silent. At this moment, he deeply doubted whether he was truly their biological son.
"Is Prince A’Wa causing trouble today?" the bald Minister of Justice, rubbed his forehead as flipped through the documents in his hand, seemingly amused.
"Prince A’Wa is no longer causing trouble. Deputy Minister Pei's method worked. We gave him half a bowl of water today and he obediently drank it all without making a fuss," the official in charge of guarding Prince A’Wa reported, "However, from the looks of it, he seems to have not given up on seeing Fushou Junzhu."
"Pay no attention to him," Zhang Shuo discovered something interesting while going through the genealogical records of everyone involved in the case, "Speaking of Fushou Junzhu, I find the Hua family quite interesting," Zhang Shuo beckoned to Pei Jihuai, who was sitting in the corner reading the information, "Come here and take a look."
"Daren?" Pei Jihuai thought Zhang Shuo had found some useful evidence. As he approached, he saw Zhang Shuo pointing to a few names on the documents, all of whom were ancestors of the Hua family.
"Daren, what does this mean?"
"When we think of the Hua family, we regard them as a family of military generals, but we haven't noticed that they have also produced several capable civil officials," Zhang Shuo pointed to one of the names, "There was even one who reached the highest position among civil officials, the position of Prime Minister."
Most of these civil officials from the Hua family not only held high positions but also retired peacefully to their hometowns. Perhaps because the military achievements of the Hua family were too prominent, few people paid attention to this fact.
After pointing out these facts to Pei Jihuai, Zhang Shuo smiled and collected the documents in his hand, rubbing his bald head, "But this is their family affair, it doesn't concern us much. There's no need to gossip about it."
"You're right, Daren," Pei Jihuai thought for a moment but felt that he might be overthinking it. Maybe it was just a coincidence?
"Daren, the Crown Prince's entourage has arrived."
Zhang Shuo didn't understand the purpose of the Crown Prince's visit and quickly stood up, "Please have His Royal Highness enter."
"Zhang Shuo, there's no need for formalities," the Crown Prince said as he entered with his attendants, raising his hand to waive their greetings, "Benwang is here today to meet Jinpo's Second Prince."
"Please, Your Royal Highness," Zhang Shuo didn't refuse and readily led the way.
There was an unpleasant smell in the dungeon, but Zhang Shuo had grown accustomed to it and didn't think much of it. One of the Crown Prince's attendants had already taken out a handkerchief and handed it to him.
The Crown Prince covered his nose and mouth with the handkerchief, not hiding his disdain for the place. Whenever his attendants saw someone with an unattractive appearance in the cell, they quickly pulled back the curtains and blocked both sides of the Crown Prince's path.
If there happened to be straw on the ground, the eunuchs would pick it up in advance, as though that piece of straw would dirty the esteemed feet of the Crown Prince.
Pei Jihuai glanced at the Crown Prince's clean soles. Last night, he had seen the Crown Prince with mud on his shoes, but the attendants didn't show such fear and reverence.
"Your Royal Highness, Prince A’Wa, the hostage from the Kingdom of Jinpo, is imprisoned here," Zhang Shuo had his subordinates open the door and bowed, "If Your Royal Highness has any questions, please feel free to ask. We will be waiting outside."
The officials from the Ministry of Justice left, leaving only the Crown Prince's entourage.
When it came to being tactful, Zhang Shuo was a professional.
Prince A’Wa had his hands and feet shackled. The shackles were locked to iron chains that were welded to the wall. Even if the cell door was wide open, he couldn't escape.
Two days without food had made him look extremely haggard, the corners of his cracked lips were pale with sickness.
Hearing someone speak, he opened his weary eyes and asked hoarsely, "Who... are you?"
The person who entered was dressed in luxurious brocade, followed by a considerable number of attendants, indicating a distinguished identity.
The Crown Prince glanced at the dirt and grime in the cell that hadn't been cleaned for who knows how long. He didn't step inside, nor did he even sit on the chair brought by the eunuchs.
As the favorite son of the King of Jinpo, Prince A’Wa was fairly good-looking, except for his messy hair and a long-untended beard that made him appear very disheveled.
Prince A’Wa had been waiting for a long time, but the other party remained silent, which made him uneasy. Ever since he arrived in the Great Jin Empire, he had tested their limits by going on a hunger strike, but the Great Jin officials seemed indifferent to his protests, as though they didn't care about his life or death.
The more indifferent Great Jin was toward him, the more unsettled he became. It indicated that Great Jin no longer regarded the Kingdom of Jinpo with importance and had become arrogant.
After understanding his situation, Prince A’Wa became more obedient. He had to return alive because only by returning alive could he become the King of Jinpo.
"What is your identity?" He struggled to stand up, supporting himself on the railing of the cell, and bowed to the visitor.
"Benwang heard that Prince A’Wa had been very dissatisfied with our treatment here in Great Jin," the Crown Prince raised an eyebrow slightly, "But from what Benwang sees today, Prince A’Wa seems to be adapting well to life in Great Jin."
He was handsome, with slightly raised peach blossom eyes and eyebrows, as if mocking others.
Feeling humiliated, Prince A’Wa lowered his head, concealing his expression from the Crown Prince, "So it is the esteemed Crown Prince of Great Jin."
"As the host, Benwang should come and greet the guest," the Crown Prince raised his hand slightly, and the eunuch brought wine and food in front of Prince A’Wa, "Benwang heard that Prince A’Wa wanted to meet our Junzhu? However, Junzhu is a young lady, it is not appropriate for her to meet Prince A’Wa. So Benwang came personally."
Seeing Prince A’Wa not touching the food and wine, the Crown Prince's expression turned slightly cold, "What's wrong? Does Prince A’Wa find the food and wine Benwang prepared for you unsatisfactory?"
"Thank you for your generosity, Crown Prince," Prince A’Wa said coldly as he picked up the wine jug and took a sip. The Emperor of Great Jin held the Crown Prince in high favor and trust, and he couldn't afford to offend him.
But he had heard that the emperors of the Great Jin were always inherently suspicious of their children. The Crown Prince's arrogant behavior would inevitably make the Emperor of Great Jin become dissatisfied with him sooner or later.
When chaos ensued among the princes of Great Jin, there would still be a chance for Prince A’Wa and the Kingdom of Jinpo.
Thinking of the territories they had yielded in the surrender letter, Prince A’Wa's eyes turned red with hatred. If it weren't for falling for the Hua family's plot and believing in that young lady's lies, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation.
"Eat the meat," the Crown Prince lifted his chin.
The meat had already turned cold, but Prince A’Wa hadn't eaten for two days. The first bite satisfied him, but after a few more bites, he couldn't help but feel the urge to vomit. However, he knew that if he vomited now, he would offend the Crown Prince of Great Jin.
He covered his mouth and forcibly swallowed the greasy and nauseating meat.
"Continue," the Crown Prince didn't even raise an eyelid.
It wasn't until Prince A’Wa finished all the meat on the table, enduring the throbbing pain in his veins, that the Crown Prince slowly spoke, "Prince A’Wa, known for your bravery and military prowess, once led troops to slaughter nearly ten thousand civilians in Huzhou of Great Jin," His gaze turned cold, "But today, you're nothing special."
After speaking, he turned and left the dungeon. Nodding slightly to the officials of the Ministry of Justice guarding outside, the Crown Prince sat in his sedan chair.
"Your Royal Highness, are we returning to the palace?"
The sedan chair was quiet for a moment before the Crown Prince spoke, "Go to the Taoist temple in the suburbs."
After seeing off the Crown Prince, Pei Jihuai said, "Daren, it seems like the Crown Prince is not in a good mood today."
"Today is the anniversary of Empress Gonghui's death," Zhang Shuo whispered, "It's normal for the Crown Prince to be in a bad mood."
"Where did the Crown Prince go today?" Emperor Changlong asked the eunuch beside him.
"Your Majesty, according to the report from the Crown Prince's attendants, the Crown Prince went to the Ministry of Justice and then planned to relax in the suburbs of the capital," Zhao Sancai glanced at the Emperor's expression, "Should we summon the Crown Prince back to the palace?"
"No need, let him go today," Emperor Changlong waved his hand. At this moment, a eunuch came in to report that Ying Wang requested an audience.
"Not seeing him," there was no need to guess; the eldest son had come to complain, and Emperor Changlong couldn't be bothered to indulge a grown-up man child, "He's already this old and hasn't made any progress. He only knows to come and complain to me about Yuansu."
Zhao Sancai bowed his head and remained silent.
Upon hearing that the Emperor had refused to see him, Ying Wang turned his head grumpily and headed towards the Lincui Palace. If the Emperor wouldn't see him, he wouldn't be able to discuss the matter of the Crown Prince mistreating the prisoners with the Emperor.
"Good that he's mistreating that person," Consort Xian said after hearing what Ying Wang had said, not even bothering to look at him, "I heard that this prince named A Wang led an attack on Huzhou adjacent to Qinghan Prefecture a few years ago and killed nearly ten thousand people of our Great Jin..."
"Mother, his name is Prince A'Wa."
"I don't care what his name is, A'Mao or A'Gou1Mocking the name of Prince A'Wa. Mao and Gou means Cat and Dog respectively.," Consort Xian slammed the table, "This kind of person should be dealt with by the Crown Prince. Why did you want to go and complain?!"
Ying Wang: "..."
"Forget it," Consort Xian grew angrier the more she thought about it, "Since the Crown Prince has set this example, why don't you go and make trouble for that A'Mao or A'Gou as well? Consider it venting for those innocent commoners."
"Mother..." Ying Wang looked at the Consort Xian speechlessly, "Aren't we trying to find evidence against the Crown Prince's misconduct against prisoners?"
"What evidence is that?" Consort Xian stood up and pushed Ying Wang out of the room, "You better think more carefully about your actions."
So, not long after the Minister of Justice had sent away the Crown Prince, Ying Wang, with an unhappy expression, arrived. Before they could figure out the purpose of Ying Wang's visit, they saw him mock and taunt the Second Prince of Jinpo, before leaving in a hurry.
Pei Jihuai looked at Zhang Shuo with confusion, "Daren, it seems like Ying Wang is also not in a good mood today?"
Half an hour later, Ning Wang also arrived after hearing the news. Though his mind wasn't very sharp, he knew what his Eldest Brother and the Crown Prince were up to, so he followed suit in learning how to handle such situations.
However, his inherently simple and kind personality, coupled with a fear of death, made it difficult for him to grasp the essence of insults. He had to ask his attendants to prepare a list of insults for him in advance, then he sat outside the prison cell on a chair and, holding the script, hurled a series of insults.
After reading the script, he felt that his performance wasn't good enough. He spat towards the cell where Prince A'Wa was imprisoned; satisfied with it, he patted his slightly protruding belly and left contentedly.
People working at the Ministry of Justice: "..."
It seems that most princes were in a bad mood today.
After finishing their midday meal, Wei Mingyue said to Hua Liuli, "When I left the capital city years ago, I visited a Taoist temple in the suburbs and made a vow, asking the immortal to bless your safe birth. Now that I've returned to the capital, I should fulfill that vow."
"Mother, it's already afternoon. You've just returned to the capital, why not rest for a few days before going?" Hua Liuli felt sorry for her mother's health and advised, "The Taoist temple will still be there. It's not going anywhere."
"When it's time to fulfill a vow, the sooner the better," Wei Mingyue gently touched her daughter's head. When she was pregnant with her, she traveled all the way from the capital to Qinghan Prefecture, and she thought several times that the child might not survive. However, the child was exceptionally well-behaved, not causing her any trouble, not even a single bout of morning sickness.
Even the time when she spotted those suspicious spies from Qinghan Prefecture, it was because the child suddenly kicked her belly a few times that she sat down at a nearby tea stall to rest and noticed them.
Because of that incident, the child, who was just seven months old in her womb, couldn't wait to come into this world.
In her heart, this child was a gift from the gods to the two of them, precious as a gem, so they named her Liuli.
Liuli was precious and fragile, they wanted to protect her for a lifetime.
"Liuli, come with me," Wei Mingyue then turned to Hua Yingting, "Yingting, obediently wait at home with Changkong."
Hua Yingting sat back grumpily, "Alright, I won't go with you. Just try not to look at those young gentlemen and ladies on the roadside too much."
Wei Mingyue glared at him and he quickly shut his mouth.
"Father, I will take good care of Mother, so don't worry," Hua Liuli blinked at Hua Yingting.
Hua Yingting thought, forget it. When you two are together, all you do is stare at young gentlemen and ladies. He even worried that his wife's doting on their daughter had no limits. What if their daughter took a liking to some young man and her mother helped her steal that person? What would they do?
The mother and daughter happily left, leaving behind the father and son to watch over the house.
"Why is the Taoist temple built on top of the mountain?" Hua Liuli, being dragged up the mountain by her mother, felt like a frost-bitten cabbage.
"You're so lazy..." Suddenly, Wei Mingyue's tone changed, "Your body is weak, so the more you worship, the more the gods will bless you."
Hua Liuli looked up at Wei Mingyue: Mother, how can you lie in front of the gods?
Wei Mingyue smiled: The gods are very magnanimous. They won't mind my small lies.
The mother and daughter calmly let go of each other's hands and both bowed to the person at the top of the steps. "Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Empress Dowager: An experienced high-end player in the game "Miracle Nikki".
Prince A'Wa: A true warrior can be killed but not dishonored, hence I choose to persevere.
